THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Srinagar, September 18: A voter turnout of 58.19% was recorded till 5 pm in the first phase of polling in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections on Wednesday.
As of 3 PM, the Kishtwar district has reported the highest voter turnout at 70.03%, according to data from the Election Commission of India (ECI).
The ECI reported that till 3 pm, Doda saw a turnout of 61.90%, Ramban recorded 60.04%, Kulgam had 50.57%, Shopian reached 46.84%, and Anantnag registered 46.67%.
Till 3 pm, Pulwama district registered the lowest voter turnout at 36.90% in the first phase of the assembly elections.
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Voting began at 7 am for 24 assembly seats in the state, which include 16 seats from Kashmir and 8 from Jammu. Long queues were formed at the polling booths.
The fate of 219 candidates will be decided as their ballots are cast in the EVMs. Before the voting started, security forces were searching all vehicles entering the area.
Voting in Jammu and Kashmir will be conducted in three phases. The second phase will take place on September 25, and the third phase on October 1. The results for all phases will be announced on October 8.
In the 90-seat assembly, a majority is being sought by 13 main parties. The PDP, led by Mehbooba Mufti, and the National Conference, led by Omar Abdullah, are prominently contesting in this election. The National Conference has formed an alliance with the Congress. The BJP is also competing vigorously in the elections.
